Browsing by Author "Osei, D."

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Balancing Equity and Efficiency in Health Priorities in Ghana: The Use of Multicriteria Decision Analysis
(Value in Health, 2008) Aikins, M.; Jehu-Appiah, C.; Baltussen, R.; Acquah, C.; d’Almeida, S. A.; Bosu, W. K.; Koolman, X.; Lauer, J.; Osei, D.; Adjei, S.
Balancing equity and efficiency in health priorities in Ghana: The use of multicriteria decision analysis
(2008-12) Jehu-Appiah, C.; Baltussen, R.; Acquah, C.; Aikins, M.; D'Almeida, S.A.; Bosu, W.K.; Koolman, X.; Lauer, J.; Osei, D.; Adjei, S.
OBJECTIVES: To guide the Ministry of Health in Ghana in the priority setting of interventions by quantifying the trade-off between equity, efficiency, and other societal concerns in health. METHODS: The study applied a multicriteria decision analytical framework. A focus group of seven policymakers identified the relevant criteria for priority setting and 63 policymakers participated in a discrete choice experiment to weigh their relative importance. Regression analysis was used to rank order a set of health interventions on the basis of these criteria and associated weights. RESULTS: Policymakers in Ghana consider targeting of vulnerable populations and cost-effectiveness as the most important criteria for priority setting of interventions, followed by severity of disease, number of beneficiaries, and diseases of the poor. This translates into a general preference for interventions in child health, reproductive health, and communicable diseases. CONCLUSION: Study results correspond with the overall vision of the Ministry of Health in Ghana, and are instrumental in the assessment of present and future investments in health. Multicriteria decision analysis contributes to transparency and accountability in policymaking.
Early Infant Diagnosis of Hiv In the Eastern Region of Ghana: Stakeholders’ Knowledge and Implementation Challenges
(University of Ghana, 2016-07) Osei, D.; Laar, A.; University of Ghana, College of Health Sciences School of Public Health
Background Infants who acquire HIV infection vertically experience rapid deterioration, usually leading to death. Early initiation of ART can reverse this trend. The WHO therefore recommends virological HIV testing in all exposed infants by six weeks, and if positive, promptly initiate ART. Despite the implementation of early infant testing in Ghana, coverage among eligible infants remains low and infants are tested late, resulting in erosion of possible benefits. Study Objectives This study was therefore designed to assess the performance of EID, assess service providers’ and caregivers’ knowledge about EID, and document the challenges these stakeholders face in the implementation of EID in the Eastern region of Ghana. Methods The study was a mixed methods research conducted at the Eastern Regional Hospital and St. Martin de Porres Hospital. A desk review of EID tests done in the facilities was conducted to determine the proportion of eligible infants who tested, age at testing and turn-around times for results delivery between 2013 and 2015. In-depth interviews were conducted with the stakeholders to assess their knowledge and find out the challenges they faced in the provision of EID services. Results Only 27.6% of eligible infants were tested for EID. Median age of infants at the time of testing was 9.4 weeks and were over 7 months old before the results reached their EID sites. HIV positive infants would, therefore, have deteriorated before life-saving ART could be initiated. Service providers had adequate knowledge about EID but only laboratory technicians collected and processed DBS samples. Caregivers showed mixed levels of knowledge about EID. Provider related barriers identified were delays in sample transportation, sample testing and result delivery; frequent breakdown of equipment and shortage of supplies; and high workload for few, poorly motivated staff. Caregiver related challenges were incorrect phone numbers and addresses; financial constraints; non-disclosure and denial of HIV status.
Polymicrobial Necrotizing Fasciitis in a Dog: The Involvement of Macrococcus caseolyticus, Proteus mirabilis, and Escherichia coli
(Hindawi, 2021) Acheampong, O.D.; Enyetornye, B.; Osei, D.
A male mixed breed dog was presented with two large wounds, extending the epidermis, dermis, and fascia: one at the dorsum of the thoracolumbar region and the other at the lumbosacral area. Lesions had extended inconspicuously to the dorsum of thorax affecting a large area, which showed regions with necrotic and crepitating foci after shaving. Based on histopathological and bacterial culture examinations, polymicrobial necrotizing fasciitis (NF) was diagnosed. Using the Bruker MALDI Biotyper identification technique, Macrococcus caseolyticus, Proteus mirabilis, and Escherichia coli were identified. Hitherto, there is no report on these bacteria linking them simultaneously to NF in a dog. In addition, the authors highlight other microbes associated with NF in humans and animals.